Annual eye exams might not be as exciting as picking out new frames, but they’re a vital part of taking care of your vision — and your overall well-being. Whether it’s been a few years since your last appointment or you’re just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, we’re here to walk you through the process. No surprises, no stress — just real answers and clear expectations.
A Friendly Welcome and Intake
When you arrive, our front desk team will greet you and help with a few quick forms if you haven’t filled them out online. This part includes updating your medical history, current medications, any vision concerns you’ve been having, and insurance details. It’s also your chance to mention any changes you’ve noticed in your vision — even if they seem small.
We’ll also verify your lifestyle needs. Do you work in front of a screen all day? Play sports? Drive at night often? These little details help guide the exam and shape our recommendations for glasses, contact lenses, or other solutions.
Pre-Testing
Before seeing the optometrist, a technician will lead you through a series of quick, non-invasive pre-tests. Depending on your needs, this may include:
- Autorefraction – Measures your eye’s prescription.
- Tonometry – A quick puff of air or a gentle touch to check eye pressure (important for detecting glaucoma).
- Retinal imaging or digital photos – Helps us assess the back of your eye.
- Depth perception, color vision, and peripheral vision tests — depending on your symptoms or history.
These pre-tests help give the optometrist a more complete picture of your eye health before the full exam even begins.
Meeting With the Optometrist
This is the part most people are familiar with — the classic “Which is better, one or two?” part of the eye exam. Your optometrist will:
- Review your medical and vision history.
- Perform a refraction test to determine your exact prescription.
- Conduct a thorough examination of your eye health, including the cornea, retina, optic nerve, and more.
- Check for signs of common conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, or dry eye.
If you’re a contact lens wearer or interested in trying them for the first time, the doctor may also perform a special fitting to make sure you’re matched with the right brand and type for your eyes.
Personalized Recommendations and Q&A
After the exam, your optometrist will go over the results with you in plain language. Whether your eyes are perfectly healthy or something needs monitoring, we’ll walk you through every detail. This is your time to ask questions — and we mean it!
We want you to understand how your eyes are doing and what steps (if any) might be needed next. If you need glasses, we’ll talk about prescription strength and lens options like blue light filters, progressives, or anti-reflective coatings. For contact lens wearers, we’ll review any necessary changes or upgrades to improve comfort or clarity.
And if we detect early signs of something like dry eye, high eye pressure, or digital strain, we’ll make thoughtful recommendations to help protect your vision — sometimes small tweaks today can prevent bigger issues down the road.
Picking Out Frames that Are Right for You
This part gets overlooked when people think of “eye exams,” but it’s often the most fun. If you’re in the market for new glasses, our optical team will help you find frames that suit your face shape, lifestyle, and personality.
We know the Cincinnati crowd likes a mix of practical and polished, so we carry both name-brand designs and stylish essentials that look great and last. Need a second opinion? We’re here to help — whether it’s your first pair or your fifth.
If you wear contact lenses, we’ll also review how your current pair is working for you and if you’d benefit from trying a different material or brand. A lot has changed in lens tech over the past few years — and better comfort or clearer vision might just be a new trial away.
Eye Exams in Cincinnati That Make a Difference
At Oakley Square Eye Associates, we believe that a great eye exam is about more than vision charts and lens flips. It’s about building relationships, catching issues early, and making sure you leave confident in your care plan.
We’re proud to be Cincinnati’s choice for modern, stress-free eye exams. Whether you’re coming in for a routine check, exploring new frames, or have a specific concern — we’re ready to help.